2005 Ford E-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2005 Ford E-250 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 11 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other E-250 years?

E-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-250 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Ford E-250 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	3	25%	▲ up
Airbags	3	25%	▲ up
Steering	2	17%	▲ up
Engine	1	8%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	8%	▼ down
Suspension	1	8%	— flat
Electrical System	1	8%	▼ down

Does the 2005 Ford E-250 have recalls?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11E047000Fuel SystemNovember 8, 2011 · 17 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED AND MAY LEAK FUEL.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-800-232-5952.

09V250000OtherJuly 1, 2009 · 1 units

Defect

J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED, INC., IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD E-250 VAN EQUIPPED WITH A RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFT. THIS VEHICLE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED AT 1-601-939-2112.

09V249000OtherJuly 1, 2009 · 1 units

Defect

J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED, INC., IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD E-250 VAN EQUIPPED WITH A RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFT. THIS VEHICLE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED AT 1-601-939-2112.

09V243000OtherJune 29, 2009 · 3 units

Defect

HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES IS RECALLING 3 MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD E-250 TRANSIT BUSES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES AT 1-770-422-9674.

09V242000OtherJune 26, 2009 · 3 units

Defect

HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES IS RECALLING 3 MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD E-250 RENTAL VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.T

Remedy

HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES AT 1-770-422-9674.

09V102000OtherMarch 27, 2009 · 74 units

Defect

VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.

09V100000OtherMarch 27, 2009 · 52 units

Defect

VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES," THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.

08V519000OtherOctober 6, 2008 · 133 units

Defect

MOBILITYWORKS IS RECALLING 133 MY 2005-2006 FORD E250, MY 2000, 2004-2006 E350, MY 2000, 2005 E450, MY 2005-2006 GMC 2500, GMC 3500, AND MY 2006 DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

MOBILITYWORKS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.

08V489000OtherSeptember 22, 2008 · 18 units

Defect

QUALITY VAN SALES IS RECALLING 18 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-250, MY 2006 FORD E-350 AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

QUALITY VAN SALES IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR QUALITY VAN SALES AT 1-800-408-8550.

08V488000OtherSeptember 22, 2008 · 18 units

Defect

QUALITY VAN SALES IS RECALLING 18 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-250, MY 2006 FORD E-350, AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

QUALITY VAN SALES IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR QUALITY VAN SALES AT 1-800-408-8550.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NORMAL DRIVING OF A 2005 FORD E 250 ECONOLINE VAN AND SMELLED GAS. WHEN HOME, REMOVED ENGINE COVER AND DISCOVERED FUEL LINE LEAK AND SIGNIFICANT POOLING OF GAS ON REAR SECTION OF TOP OF ENGINE, THE FLEX PORTION OF THE FUEL LINE THAT FEEDS THE FUEL INJECTION MANIFOLD HAD FAILED JUST BEFORE THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 13, 2010

“DT: CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 18, 2005. THE VEHICLE DID NOT BELONG TO THE CONTACT, BUT WAS A COMPANY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE FROM THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 18, 2005 · crash · fire

“WARNING. SAFETY HAZARD ABOUT DURALAST CENTER LINK PART# DS1287, ALTERNATIVE PART NUMBER:DS6070X. I INSTALLED THIS PART IN 2005 FORD E250 BUT YOU CAN INSTALL THIS PART IN OTHER VEHICLES ALSO. I REPLACE CENTER LINK 1.5 YEARS AGO(07/17/2015). METAL THREAD ON BALL JOINT BROKEN AND MADE CAR UNSTEERABLE.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 1, 2017 · crash

“2005 FORD ECONLINE E250 LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO A DITCH. *KB THE DRIVER CLAIMED MINOR INJURY TO HIS RIGHT HAND. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0034-90 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 12, 2010 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION STARTED TO SHAKE WHILE ENTERING A BRIDGE AT 65 MPH DURING NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS STILL BEING DRIVEN, HOWEVER THE BRIDGE IS NOW ENTERED AT AN ANGLE TO AVOID…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 12, 2005

2005 Ford E-250 — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford E-250 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 11 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 E-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Ford E-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Ford E-250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Ford E-250 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-250 years to avoid are 1999, 1997, 1998, 1992. The cleanest record among E-250 years belongs to 2023.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2005 compare to other E-250 years?

What are the most common 2005 Ford E-250 problems?

Does the 2005 Ford E-250 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Ford E-250 — common questions

Is the 2005 Ford E-250 reliable?

What are the most common 2005 E-250 problems?

Does the 2005 Ford E-250 have recalls?

Is the 2005 Ford E-250 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Ford E-250 years should you avoid?

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